Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) Manav Jaini is looking for his first professional win, while Mukesh Kumar wishes to win the only big title he has not won in Indian golf. Both will have their chance Sunday at the Hero Honda Indian Open Golf. Jaini and Mukesh are tied third.

It is going to be a big Sunday for Delhi Golf Club’s very own Manav Jaini, who hung in there on the third day of the Indian Open to be tied for third after 54 holes in the tournament. The 27-year-old Jaini, who was tied 19th at the SAIL Open at this very course, admitted he was nervous but he handled the situation well.

Korean rookie Baek Seuk-hyun produced a spectacular finish to take a one-shot advantage after the third round Saturday. The 20-year-old rookie enjoyed a stunning back nine, which included an eagle and four late birdies, for a four-under-par 68 to lead from Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, who also returned a 68.

Indian veteran Mukesh Kumar and unheralded Manav Jaini stayed in the title hunt with a 70 and 71, respectively, to lie joint third, four behind, with Australia’s Unho Park (70) and South African Jbe Kruger (69) in the $1.25 million Asian Tour event.

“I did not hit it well. Nonetheless, it is a good one under as I scrambled through the day. I must admit that I was a little nervous on the first five to six holes since there was a huge crowd following me. I got into my rhythm with an excellent chip on the eighth that led to a birdie,” said Jaini.

“A brilliant wedge shot that ended up one foot short of the flag produced a birdie on the 13th. This was followed by another birdie on the 14th. I felt I was on a roll at that stage. The bogey on the 11th, courtesy a three-putt from the fringe was the biggest disappointment of the day,” said the Delhi golfer. “I will strive for birdies on the first five holes in the final round.”

Mukesh, who has more than 100 titles on domestic Tour, but is yet to win on the Asian Tour. He wishes to do that here.

“I did not putt as per my expectations today. I really need to fire with the putter to stake my claim in the final round. If I had made the three feet birdie putt on the final hole, it would have served as a huge morale-booster for me,” said Mukesh.

He added: “I might never have such a good chance of getting my hands on the biggest prize in Indian golf ever again in the future. So I must make the most of this opportunity. I have won almost every big title in Indian golf, but the Indian Open title has eluded me till date. It’s time to set the record straight.”

The tournament’s top draws, local hero Arjun Atwal and three-time champion Jyoti Randhawa, will enter the final day six shots off the pace. Their hopes will come up against an inspired Baek. Randhawa, Atwal and Ashok Kumar are all tied 12th at four-under, and Shiv Kapur is tied 20th at three-under.